Alabama Administrative Code Title 281 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, FORMERLY
Alabama Administrative Code – Title 281: Alabama Department of Commerce
(Formerly: Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs – Commerce Division)
🔹 Overview:
Title 281 of the Alabama Administrative Code contains the rules and regulations of the Alabama Department of Commerce, which is the state agency responsible for promoting economic development, business recruitment, workforce development, and support for international trade and investment in Alabama.
Formerly part of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) under the Commerce Division, it was restructured to focus more directly on statewide economic competitiveness and business expansion.
🔹 Core Functions of the Alabama Department of Commerce:
Recruiting domestic and international companies to locate operations in Alabama.
Administering incentive programs (such as tax abatements and grants) to attract investment.
Supporting workforce development through partnerships with AIDT (Alabama Industrial Development Training) and educational institutions.
Promoting exports and international trade through assistance and outreach programs.
Coordinating industrial site development and infrastructure funding.
🔹 Possible Chapters in Title 281 (Examples):
Although specific chapter numbers may vary, Title 281 typically includes regulations related to:
Chapter 281-X-1: Administrative Structure and Authority
Chapter 281-X-2: Business Incentive Program Rules
Chapter 281-X-3: Workforce Development Grant Procedures
Chapter 281-X-4: International Trade and Export Support Services
Chapter 281-X-5: Industrial Site Certification Criteria
Chapter 281-X-6: Economic Development Reporting and Transparency
🔹 Key Programs Managed:
Made in Alabama initiative – state’s branding for industrial recruitment.
Growing Alabama Credit and Alabama Jobs Act – incentives for investment.
Coordination with AIDT, Accelerate Alabama, and regional economic development alliances.
🔹 Legal Basis:
Rules in Title 281 are issued under authority from various sections of the Code of Alabama 1975, especially those relating to commerce, development, and labor. The department must also comply with federal guidelines when federal funds or programs are involved.
🔹 Transition from ADECA:
The change from the former ADECA Commerce Division to the standalone Department of Commerce allowed the state to place stronger emphasis on business growth and recruitment, distinguishing it from other community and housing development functions retained by ADECA.
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